Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  All this, plus the envy of your peers! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DocLandis - September 23 - 4:40 am

  After 2+ months of ownership, and nearly 5,000 miles under us, the FJ had performed without so much as a single issue to complain to the dealershp about. Ive added the front Brush-Guard, and the optional front skid plate, because you just never know what you will need here in the North Georgia Mountains. I just returned from a 2,000+ mile trip up North, and found that while staying at or near the speed limit of 65-70, I got right at 22 mpg, taking it up to the 10 mph over the speed limit window, my mileage dropped to 19.5. The FJ is in a word, SOLID. Its a head turner for sure, but the comfort and security while driving it makes it a must have for anyone looking in this class.

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  Our best car ever! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave C. - September 23 - 1:29 am

  Cons: Its noisy on the highway (probably due to limited interior insulation). Pros: Extremely reliable; We bought it new in June, 2008 and now (Oct., 2015) are still driving it with over 132,000 miles. The only real repair, other than the wearables, (tires, brakes, etc.) has been a rear wheel hub replacement ($500. expense) which was necessary due to a bad internal sensor. We found out later that a properly-inserted pipe cleaner might have cleaned off the dirty, not defective, sensor and eliminated even that repair expense. We really like our Corolla and consider it to be our most dependable, and economical vehicle evr. PS: We have been driving for 41 years and have had well over 20 vehicles in that time period.

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  Cool Tool - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marytime - September 22 - 11:36 pm

  Acceleration is a disappointment because of the delay between mash and go. At 57" it is a first time life experience that Im too tall with a hat. Cruise control manipulation is not intuitive. Im really nervous about visibility...I hope I dont crunch someone/something before I learn my clearance limitations.

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  Adult-Sized Slot Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lou & Sue - September 22 - 8:33 pm

  We now have 600+ miles on our loaded liftback. Both wife and I are impressed with its comfort, handling and design. We have mostly stick-shift cars over last 35 yrs, including 3 ALFAS & a Ford Fiesta. This car is similar to the Fiesta, and gets thru the turns as good as the Alfas, maybe better. Have not pushed the engine or brakes yet, but appears they will do quite well. Only 1/2 way thru 2nd tank of gas; got 35.5 MPG on first tank. It gets lots of looks on the road.

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  Excellent Changes - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Bears - September 22 - 8:40 am

  Handles and responds like a car, but has the feel of an SUV. Great to drive.

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  VERY Good - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jenny - September 22 - 4:53 am

  I bought my SUV in 2005. It has no problem at all. I read other consumers comments about tires. My SUV did not replace tires until 56k miles. Right now its 99k and havent replaced 2nd tires yet. The condition is very good. Interior is very comfortable and spacious. I really love it so much.

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  Love my Toyota Highlander!!! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Wiola Aniello - September 22 - 3:10 am

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  Better than my Caddy - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Guyaurora - September 21 - 7:03 pm

  I replaced a 2002 DTS with this Avalon Limited. It is light years ahead of the caddy. Ride,detail, handling. I have everything except nav because I use a portable GPS. The laser cruise control is awesome once you get use to it. I will have the body side molding installed once Toyota finds a new vendor. We also own a 2002 Highlander and Toyota quality and service cannot be matched. This is the best value on the road for a quality full size vehicle. I have driven the lexus and aside from expensive options this car is as good as if not better than the Lexus. I also love the fact I dont have to carry my keys only the fob to open and start the car.

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  Best car ever - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shanna - September 21 - 2:46 pm

  I bought a used 4Runner with 34k miles and was the best decision I ever made. This car required absolutely no maintenance other than oil changes. The cargo space was great. It was fun to drive and the safest SUV in its class. The 4Runner saved my fathers and my life when we hit a rough patch of interstate and I lost control and collided with an 18-wheeler. The crumple zones and side impact beams saved us, as the safety features performed exactly as they were supposed to. I am thankful for having paid a little more to get such a quality vehicle. I recommend this car hands down to anyone considering a mid-size SUV.

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  CrewMax hits a homerun - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mlj283 - September 21 - 11:00 am

  Tundra finally hit a home run with the 2007 with the 5.7L/6AT Limited model. I spent the extra $$ to get this package (along with the Nav. and 20" wheels) and have not regretted it in the least. The drivetrain on this 2007 Tundra is perhaps the finest combo ever put into a production model pickup. The advertised 16/20 mpg is accurate unless you have a heavy foot, and the cabin quietness is Lexus-like. 40 grand is a steep price for a half- ton pickup but anyone in the market for a high-end truck would be crazy not to go to your local Toyota dealership and test drive a Tundra.